When Nagato supported the injured Konan and Kakuzu back to the Dream Pavilion, the news of his victory over Tsunade had already spread throughout Akatsukigakure. The atmosphere in the village had changed dramatically, and the way people looked at him as he passed was entirely different from before. Their gazes held a mixture of awe and deep respect—a recognition of his strength.
Before they even reached the entrance, Yahiko ca out to greet them, his face lit with a broad smile.
"Hahaha~ Well done," he said with hearty enthusiasm. "You've brought honor to my Akatsukigakure."
Yahiko hadn't attended the battle himself, but the outco hadn't surprised him. His confidence in Nagato's abilities was evident, though it left room for speculation among the villagers. Many began to believe that Yahiko's earlier refusal to let Nagato fight Tsunade had been a deliberate ploy, knowing she was no match for Nagato. This perception only heightened the mysterious and formidable reputation of Akatsukikage, with so even assuming Yahiko's strength surpassed Nagato's.
Unaware of the strategic image he had unintentionally fostered, Yahiko exuded a calm, commanding presence. Nonō, who had followed him outside, quickly moved to support Konan, her face filled with concern. Though Konan's injuries appeared severe, it was clear Nawaki had held back, sparing her from more serious harm.
"It's a pity they got away," Nagato muttered, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction. His frustration was palpable, as though only Tsunade's death would have brought him true closure.
This sentint caused unease among the onlookers, who silently thought to themselves, Be glad she escaped. If Tsunade had fallen, Akatsukigakure might not have survived the retaliation.
So even speculated about reconciliation, given Tsunade's initial transgressions. But no one dared voice such thoughts aloud—especially not on Akatsukigakure's territory.
"Let them go," Yahiko said casually, his tone unbothered. "Killing them would only complicate things."
His nonchalant attitude made it seem as if sparing or slaying Tsunade was a decision of little consequence, reinforcing the perception of Yahiko's dominance.
Nagato sighed heavily and turned to leave, his exhaustion evident. "I'll take them downstairs to heal their wounds."
"Go ahead. You've done well," Yahiko responded, giving Nagato due recognition while remaining focused on stabilizing the village's affairs.
"It's just my job," Nagato replied, respectful but resolute, before departing with Nonō and the injured Konan and Kakuzu.
As their figures disappeared down the path, Yahiko turned back toward the Dream Pavilion. The interior had been fully repaired during the battle, with no visible trace of the earlier destruction. New tables and chairs glead under the lights, and elegant dealers resud their positions, ready for business.
"Everyone, today's matter was truly disappointing," Yahiko announced, his voice calm but commanding. "It's all because we at Akatsukigakure failed to exercise proper supervision. As an apology, everyone here will receive 100,000 chips for free."
He paused briefly, letting the murmurs of surprise ripple through the crowd before continuing, "It's not much, but I hope you'll accept it as a gesture of goodwill."
After his speech, staff mbers stepped forward, distributing chips to the guests. Yahiko's strategy was calculated. The gesture of generosity not only appeased the crowd but also ensured the chips would circulate back into the Dream Pavilion, likely in even greater amounts than what was given away.
"Lord Akatsukikage, you're too kind," soone in the crowd called out, their tone filled with admiration.
"It's no wonder the Dream Pavilion's service is unmatched," another chid in.
"What are we waiting for? Let's get started!" The atmosphere quickly shifted, and the casino ca alive with activity, the sounds of gambling filling the air as the patrons eagerly returned to their gas.
Yahiko's expression remained composed as he addressed them again, his voice steady yet nacing beneath the surface. "Everyone, play with confidence. I guarantee that sothing like this will never happen again. And if it does—no matter who it is—I will kill them without rcy."
His smile didn't falter, but his words sent a chill through the room. It was a subtle yet unmistakable warning wrapped in a veneer of politeness. Anyone who dared disrupt the Dream Pavilion again would be making a grave mistake.
Despite the undertone of threat, the enthusiasm at the gambling tables was undisturbed. The guests seed more eager than ever, their attention wholly absorbed in the gas. Yahiko's presence commanded respect, and no one dared question his authority or his thods.
"Everyone, enjoy yourselves. I'll be taking my leave now," Yahiko said, turning to leave with his usual air of composure. Before departing, he called Yūichi Nagashima over and exchanged a few quiet words with him.
As for Daiki Nakamura, he was resting after sustaining injuries during the chaos. The day had been an unexpected ordeal for him, and he still hadn't fully grasped how he'd ended up involved in such a significant event.
....
It was late at night, but Yahiko and the others were still gathered, showing no signs of resting. The injured Kakuzu and Konan seed to have pushed past their exhaustion.
"I'm not going to go. You guys chat away," Kakuzu muttered, his tone reluctant. He only identified himself as part of Akatsukigakure and had no desire to involve himself with Konoha any more than necessary.
"Okay, then get so rest early," Yahiko replied, not pressing the matter. He understood the shift in Kakuzu's deanor.
With a sigh of relief, Kakuzu turned and walked away. "Well, I'm going back."
"What a party pooper," Konan muttered under her breath. Then, shaking off her mood, she brightened. "Let's go."
"Let's go," Yahiko echoed as the group followed her, moving together under the moonlit sky.
After about an hour of travel, they arrived at the agreed location—a natural canyon. The scars of battles fought here long ago were faint but still visible. This was where Kawakaze had confronted Hanzō of the Salamander.
"That's where we saw Sensei defeat Hanzō of the Salamander," Nagato remarked, pointing toward a distant hillside as he addressed Nonō.
"It's all fate," Nonō said softly, gratitude evident in her voice. If not for Kawakaze, she might never have crossed paths with Nagato.
"Co on. What's there to reminisce about here?" Konan said, her voice edged with discomfort. The sight brought back the harrowing mory of Hanzō being cut down, a mont that left a lasting shadow over her.
"Alright, let's go find Sensei's wife," Yahiko interjected, his tone casual and confident, showing no sign of sharing Konan's unease.
Nagato nodded. "Over there," he said, sensing Tsunade's location. He led the way to a beautiful wooden house, unmistakably created by Tsunade's Wood Release.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Co in," ca Tsunade's cheerful voice from inside.
"Sensei's wife, Konan has missed you," Yahiko opened the door. Konan imdiately darted in, flinging herself into Tsunade's arms.
She rubbed her head against Tsunade with a mix of affection and envy, particularly at her generous figure. "That's enough, don't be so clingy," Tsunade said with a helpless smile, gently pulling her away.
Yahiko, Nagato, and Tsunade exchanged greetings, and soon Nawaki and Minato joined in, pulling them into warm hugs.
"How are you? Lord Akatsukikage!" Nawaki declared with a grin, slapping Yahiko on the back.
"Cough, cough~ Brother, I was just pretending to be better than you," Yahiko stamred, his earlier confidence quickly fading. "You're a forgiving person, so please let it slide this ti."
"You little brat, you really dared to pull that off," Minato said teasingly as he let go of Nagato.
"Shut up. If you hadn't co, I might've stabbed myself twice for real," Nagato quipped, pretending to stab himself, prompting laughter from everyone.
"Lady Tsunade, Senior Nawaki, Senior Minato," Nonō said nervously, seizing a mont to greet them.
"Don't be nervous. You've done an excellent job over the years," Tsunade said kindly, her smile reassuring.
"It's all I should do. Serving the village is an honor," Nonō replied, straightening her posture, though excitent bubbled beneath her composed exterior. Receiving praise from her idol was a mont she would never forget.
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